Never  underestimate the “I-can-change-the-world” optimism of a plucky college student with a dream. It is, after all, the wide-eyed idealists  — not the jaded pragmatists  — who typically function as the catalysts for social transformation. Take, for instance, socially responsible accessories brand Mercado Global, which was launched from inside a Yale University dorm room back in 2004, two years after founder Ruth DeGolia took a fateful trip to Reu, Guatemala, and decided to  help local female artisans earn a living and rise from the clutches of poverty by opening up a channel of commerce through which they could sell their wares. During its nine years in existence, Mercado Global has blossomed tremendously, forging partnerships with brands like ABC Carpet & Home, Levi Strauss & Company, and Crate & Barrel. With each new partnership, Mercado Global is able to provide  fair wages to the indigenous artisans it employs in impoverished areas of Guatemala, as well as fund important community-based programs that address everything from business development to HIV/AIDS awareness. Currently, Mercado Global encompasses 400 artisans — many of them indigenous women — in more than 30 communities throughout Guatemala.

Mercado Global’s latest endeavor is a two-piece handbag collection available exclusively at Calypso St. Barth. Made of hand woven cotton and leather, the two handbags feature lovely geometric prints in a timeless black-and-white color scheme. Measuring 16″ in height, 14″ in width, and 5″ in depth, the Mercado Global Emilia Cotton Tote ($195 at CalypsoStBarth.com) is an excellent summer tote choice, perfect for accessorizing white cotton frocks and Bohemian maxi dresses and for packing essentials when hitting the beach.One half of the bag’s front panel features a repeating diamond print, with each elongated diamond shape outlined in black and housing  a smaller concentric diamond outline inside its center. The other side, meanwhile, boasts a more minimalist motif, one with plenty of negative space. This side features two vertical stripes on either side of a wide, ribbon-like, vertical band featuring diamond shapes placed sideways. In addition to the shift in the spacial orientation and size of the diamond motifs, this second half reverses the color scheme so that the backdrop is black and the diamonds are outlined in white.The two sides of the bag are divided by a slim strip of brown leather piping which, in turn, matches the tote’s sturdy handles.

If you prefer to travel light, check out the  Mercado Global Marabella Clutch ($125 at  CalypsoStBarth.com), which features the same hand woven diamond brocade pattern but in a much smaller package. The fold-over clutch features leather piping all around the edges, a half-moon shaped zippered closure, and a fringe leather tassel adorning the zipper pull tab. Measuring 6″ in height and 11.5″ in length, it’s the perfect way to add a bit of ethnic flair to a cocktail dress or a shorts-and-blazer outfit.

I may be allergic to cats, but that hasn’t stopped me from pledging my undying love to Hello Kitty — after all, who can resists a sassy feline with a dashing bow? The wide-eyed schoolgirl inside of me still lights up when she spots a first or second grader with a backpack featuring a Hello Kitty print (and, admittedly, the mischievous streak in that little triggers a desire to snatch that backpack right off that pig-tailed cutie’s shoulders but, fortunately, my  adult superego can subdue my childish id). Clearly, I’m not the only full-grown woman whose love for Hello Kitty has survived well into adulthood — which is why, of course, the footwear and accessories collections created by Sanrio and Vans haven’t been limited to children’s fare, instead including plenty of goodies for infants, toddlers, children, teens, juniors, and women. This month, HK fans can feast their eyes on the newly unveiled Vans x Hello Kitty Fall 2013 collection.

On the footwear front, the collection includes new styles like the Vans x Hello Kitty Sk8-Hi Slim ($70 at Vans.com), shown third above, a carnation pink canvas sneaker with white illustrations of Hello Kitty in different scenarios: riding a tricycle, popping out of a bag of 10 cent candies, sitting next to a rotary phone, and so forth.To make the color combination truly pop, the hi-top features a white stripe accent along the sides, as well as white eyelets and laces. White contrast stitching also creates a quilted effect along the ankle collar. But, of course, the standout design element of this particular sneaker is the plush Hello Kitty head positioned at the top of the tongue, a pillowy motif that will make you remember the days when you snuggled with stuffed animals in your twin size bed. Recently, these plush details have become as commonplace in the realm of sneaker embellishment as pyramid studs, glittery overlays, and embroidered patches but, of course, they lend styles a rather juvenile air, which can make them less appealing to more discerning customers like myself.  I personally can’t imagine sneakers with stuffed animal motifs being cute on anyone above the age of 5, but I do appreciate the attempt to branch out and explore different style options (however misguided this foray  might have turned out to be!). 

The Vans x Hello Kitty Bow Authentic ($60 at Vans.com), shown last above, plays with similar three-dimensional aesthetic norms but does so in a substantially more successful manner. This low-top shoe features a no-fuss silhouette, with canvas uppers featuring black illustrations of Hello Kitty that can only truly be discerned upon close inspection, black laces with just a hint of silver glitter, and a downy red bow covered in shimmery sequins that sits right atop the tongue. As with the Hello Kitty head in the Sk8-Hi, the bow detail here adds a sense of whimsy, but this time it has less of an infantile air, making it a bit more appropriate for older gals. And, if the bow itself proves to be too flashy, you can always detach it and rock the sneakers sans laces.

Fans of the sneaker boot trend that’s been picking up steam during recent seasons will love the Vans x Hello Kitty Super Hi ($65 at Vans.com), shown above at top, a boot-like, lace-up sneaker with black canvas uppers and a repeating pattern consisting of Hello Kitty’s head in metallic white and silver tones.

Those who prefer more understated styles, meanwhile, can opt for classics like the Vans x Hello Kitty Authentic in Hot Pink ($55 at Vans.com),  which features hot pink canvas uppers adorned with a coquettish print showing Hello Kitty peeking out from over a sea of bows — some a pink color and other pink with white polka dots. Another more traditional style is the Vans x Hello Kitty Authentic Low Pro ($55 at Vans.com), available in a light turquoise hue, which features a slimmer rubber outsole, narrower laces and more of an almond-shaped toe. The print for these perky sneakers depicts Hello Kitty in a fanciful universe, with tree-lined streets featuring picturesque houses surrounded by apple-bearing trees, faraway castles at the end of a rainbow, popcorn carts parked in front of Ferris Wheels,  mice riding carts while clutching a fistful of balloons, and even small inlets with palm trees and lighthouses along their perimeters.

If walking in step with Hello Kitty doesn’t seem like quite enough, you can always check out the accessories in the collection, which include the Vans x Hello Kitty Trucker Hat ($20 at Vans.com), available in black with a red brim or in white with a black brim. Both hats’ front panels  feature illustrations of Hello Kitty’s bow (in either pink or red), as well as two black dots for her eyes, a perfect yellow oval for her nose, and whiskers. The Vans x Hello Kitty Glitter Hello Kitty Purse ($25 at Vans.com), available in black or white, employs a similar design, taking Hello Kitty’s most iconic facial features and placing them front-and-center along the main canvas outer section. Unlike the trucker hat, however, the purse gives HK’s signature bow a three-dimensional twist by incorporating a plus, sequin-covered detail in lieu of a two-dimensional illustrations. The casual canvas bag boasts a slouch silhouette, with its bottom sewn to create a half moon shape, and comes with two roomy pouch pockets, one on either side of the main compartment. Collegiate sorts, meanwhile, can give their school wardrobes a rockabilly feel with the Vans x Hello Kitty Checkerboard Hello Kitty Backpack ($38 at Vans.com), which features a punk-flavored black-and-white checkerboard design.

Which pieces do you think are the cat’s meow?

As the Comme des Garçons brand name implies — the phrase means “like the boys” in French —  the fashion label (which is actually Japanese in origin) specializes in androgynous fare with an experimental, quirky, artsy, and somewhat naughty vibe. And to complement the more conceptual nature of the Comme des Garçons designs, founder Rei Kawakubo teamed up with New York-based graphic artist Filip Pagowski to launch Comme des Garçons PLAY, a cheekier, more youthful and playful line with an irresistible logo consisting of a slightly lumpy and asymmetrical red heart with almond-shaped eyes. Given the success of its two previous footwear collaborations with Converse, Comme des Garçons PLAY decided to stage a follow-up, this time focusing on offering its own interpretation of the Converse Pro Leather sneaker, as opposed to the older, more classic styles like the Jack Purcell and Chuck Taylor All Star that the brand has focused on previously.

The Comme des Garçons PLAY for Converse Pro Leather collection consists of four Converse Pro Leather sneaker styles, all featuring an all-over print rooted in PLAY’s heart-with-eyes logo. Both mid-top options in the collection have a very graphic and bold quality: one features black uppers and an all-over white heart print, with each icon incorporating black eyes with white eyeballs, and the other boasting white uppers and incorporating a black heart print, each icon featuring white peepers with black eyeballs. Because the pattern was placed randomly on each sneaker, there’s a charming sense of chaos to each shoe, a vitality and irreverence that intensifies the sense of whimsy.

In addition to the two mid-top basketball shoe styles, the collection includes two low-top Pro Leather sneakers that have a wider fit, making them reminiscent of skate shoes and, thus, of contemporary urban style. This interpretation of the Converse Pro Leather Ox silhouette is available in two colorways: one black with a red heart pattern and the other white with the very same red heart print.

All four styles in the Comme des Garçons PLAY for Converse Pro Leather collection are available on Dover Street Market’s website (http://www.doverstreetmarket.com) and at the Comme des Garçons NYC store for a limited time only, with prices ranging from $130 to $140.

Below, you’ll find a great selection of shoes, jewelry, clutches, and hair accessories inspired by the Art Deco movement.

Charlotte Olympia Sunset Art Deco T-Strap Sandal, $1195. Available at NeimanMarcus.com

Lulu Frost for J. Crew Deco Diamond Bracelet, $125. Available at JCrew.com

Blu Bijoux Grey and Black Crystal and Chain Chandelier Earrings, $24. Available at MaxandChloe.com

DVF Diamond Box Beaded Clutch, $995. Available at DVF.com

Robert Procop Parisian Rubellite Deco Earrings. Visit RobertProcop.com for more details

Danielle Stevens JN48A Necklace, $50. Available at DanielleStevens.com

Deepa Gurnani Ivory Crystal Headband, $150. Available at Shopbop.com

Sequin for Ruffian NY Red & Gold Deco Bracelet, $150. Available at CharmandChain.com

Charlotte Olympia Decodent Metallic Leather Sandals, $1075. Available at Net-a-porter.com

Kendra Scott Tamara Long Earrings in Ivory, $65. Available at KendraScott.com

DVF Patchouli Beaded Box Clutch, $995. Available at DVF.com

Danielle Stevens earrings, $40. Available at DanielleStevens.com

Deepa Gurnani Patterned Headband, $33.60. Available at Shopbop.com

Nissa Jewelry Delano Hoop Earrings, $73 each. Available at NissaJewelry.com

Deepa Gurnani Elongated Leather Clutch with Embellished Serpent Flap, $365. Available at DeepaGurnani.com

J. Crew Crystal Compilation Necklace, $165. Available at JCrew.com

Sandy Hyun Emerald Crystal Deco Earrings, $88. Available at CharmandChain.com

Though he’s of Irish and British descent, footwear designer Liam Fahy has more than a passing acquaintance with southern Africa — in fact, he was born in Zimbabwe and spent much of his childhood living in a small snake farm within a suburb known for being a hub for creative sorts like sculptors, painters, textile weavers, and musicians. During his early adulthood, while pursing his collegiate studies, he opted to take a year off to move away from the city and, instead, live with the Tonga tribe settled by the Zambezi River in North-Western Zimbabwe. Fahy refers to this experience as being instrumental in his creative development and, in many ways, as serving as the impetus for him to pursue his artistic dreams, ultimately enrolling at the Montfort University of England to study footwear design. Two years after launching his eponymous footwear line, Fahy has unveiled a collection that pays homage to his rearing in Africa. As its name implies, the Liam Fahy Spring 2013 Congo collection, then, incorporates colors and patterns inspired by the indigenous people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, neighboring Zambia and, in turn, Zimbabwe.

Tribal influences are particularly evident in styles like the Charlotte ($956.25 at LiamFahy.com), shown above at top, which features a Dutch wax print or java print, made by hand-drawing a pattern on cotton cloth, then applying melted wax into the fabric and dipping it in dye. The almond-toed, fabric-covered pumps feature a 4″-tall heel, an ankle collar, a back zipper, and criss-crossing straps along the vamp that can then be tied around the ankle. Celebrations of the Congo Rainforest’s wildlife, meanwhile, are evident in styles like the Alys ($879.75 at LiamFahy.com), pictured third from top, an open-toed ankle bootie with a white wedge heel and suede uppers featuring a slightly weathered-looking zebra print; and the ankle-high Brigitte ($1,354.05 at LiamFahy.com) sandals, shown second from top, which feature glossy red-and-black water snake uppers and 4″-tall heel, and which lace all the way up along the front, the black cord laces following an undulating path that resembles a snake’s wavy forward motion pattern and capped off with tiny tassels made of the same water snake material.

Made of supple Elbamatt leather in a reddish brown hue reminiscent of the hide of a Bongo antelope, the Anouk sandals ($680.85 at LiamFahy.com), pictured fourth above, are essentially lace-up gladiator sandals, but the look of the uppers infuses a rustic feel into the shoes.

Though perhaps an unorthodox choice for a footwear collection named after the Congo, the Adora booties shown last above ($879.75 at LiamFahy.com) do nod to the rest of the collection via their color: a rich burgundy red reminiscent of the mountain ranges in South Kivu or, for that matter, of the color of the beret hats worn by the soldiers in the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo. These see-through  mesh booties feature a suede-covered heel and a smooth suede heel counter, along with suede piping along the open toe, the ankle collar, and the U-shaped open vamp, which is itself adorned by satin ribbons.

During the past three decades, the Democratic Republic of Congo has underwent a number of civil wars, resulting in mass genocide, political instability, the destruction of property, displacement, and social and civil rights injustices ranging from sexual violence against women to kidnappings, sexual slavery, and children being forced to pick up weapons and join armies. The Congo is currently in a state of transition, with the United Nations pushing to stabilize the region and the Red Cross imploring that nations all over the world work together to protect women from gender inequality and sexual violence.

The region may have a troubled and violent past, then, but it’s also a gorgeous, bio-diverse land replete with rainforests, grasslands, and flooded swamp forests that are home to over 400 specie of animals — from gorillas to manatees, antelopes, gazelles, zebras, pelicans, swallows, hippos, water snakes, tortoises and much more. It also boasts a rich cultural history and has birthed such talented creative powerhouses as painters Chéri Samba and Lema Kusa, writer Sony Lab’ou Tansi, poet Clémentine Nzuji, and sculptors Freddy Tsimba and Alfred Liyolo. By nodding to some of the colors, animals, and cultural traditions of the area, Liam Fahy has extolled the land’s many virtues and celebrated its beauty, reminding the world about the rich history and the promise of the area.

Earlier this month, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City unveiled its highly anticipated exhibit “Punk: From Chaos to Couture,” which chronicles how the musical movement birthed in the mid-1970s came to influence youth culture and, later, high fashion. On the eve of the exhibit’s opening, the museum rolled out its red carpet for its yearly gala, and a plethora of A-listers attended the event decked out in looks that they felt captured the spirit of the musical genre and its accompanying aesthetic. Celebrities like Sienna Miller, Nicole Richie, Anne Hathaway, Miranda Kerr, and Cara Delevigne arguably had the most spot-on interpretations, with Richie and Hathaway cutting their tresses and dying them a platinum shade (or, in Richie’s case, a gray hue) and Miller, Kerr, and Delevigne rocking spiked clutches, studded earrings, bold ear cuffs, double finger rings and shield rings, and more. As a nod to the fashions seen at the Met Gala, I prepared a package for Telemundo NY’s “Buenos Días Nueva York” that incorporated tons of accessories with an undeniably punk vibe. The segment aired yesterday within the 6:00 a.m. hour and, since I know many of you probably missed it, I wanted to share the video of the piece (embedded above), along with photos, and a breakdown of all the pieces showcased in the segment and where you can purchase them. Let’s get it started!

SHOES FEATURED:

I selected three pairs of shoes to feature in the segment: the Red Kiss Passion Ankle Strap Flats, the Jeffrey Campbell Lita Spike booties, and the Kelsi Dagger Francie flats. Both the Jeffrey Campbell booties and the Kelsi Dagger smoking slippers encapsulate the punk spirit via metallic studs and/or spikes, while the Red Kiss flats feature the British flag juxtaposed against newspaper ink for a Sex Pistols-worthy vibe. Check them out below:

Red Kiss Passion Metal Ankle Strap Flats, $50. Available at AMIclubwear.com

Kelsi Dagger Francie Flats, $109.95. Available at Amazon.com

Jeffrey Campbell Lita Spike bootie, $209.95. Available at Solestruck.com

HANDBAGS FEATURED:

When setting up the display table for the “Buenos Días Nueva York,” I reserved nearly half of the table for the stunning handbags we would showcase, which even had the show’s hosts oohing and aahing behind the scenes. I edited the picks down to four handbags: the Treesje Mortale tote, a black leather tote with an embossed skull pattern; the BCBGMAXAZRIA Janis Pyramid Box-Frame Clutch, a turquoise-colored clutch with a stingray-like texture and a metal frame adorned with silver-toned pyramid studs; the Shop Lately Go Girl Spiked Cross-Body Bag, a lavender-toned faux leather bag with conical spikes adorning its base and its sides; and the Nila Anthony Five Finger Spiked Clutch, a fish scale embossed minaudiere with a golden four-finger handle featuring conical spike accents. Check out all four styles below:

Treesje Mortale Open Tote, $698. Available at Treesje.com

BCBGMAXAZRIA Janis Pyramid Box-Frame Clutch, $228. Available at BCBG.com

Nila Anthony Five Finger Spiked Clutch, $58. Available at Karmaloop.com

Go Girl Spiked Cross-Body Bag, $39. Available at ShopLately.com

JEWELRY FEATURED:

This was, of course, the most expansive category in the segment — in large part because I myself am such a sucker for all things featuring studs, spikes, grommets, arrows, skulls, and so forth. As you’ll see in the video, there were quite a few pieces featured — from spiked stacking rings to two-finger rings with golden chain embellishments, hefty silver necklaces with skull motifs, snake chain bracelets with spike pendants, a dramatic chainmail necklace, neon leather and thread bracelets with Swarovski crystals, and so forth. Here’s a handy breakdown of all the pieces shown!

BCBGMAXAZRIA Jeweled Spike Necklace, $98. Available at BCBG.com

Mixology NYC Joan of Arc Layered Necklace, $150. Available at MixologyNYC.com

Above left: H&M Neon Pink Threaded Chain Necklace with Rhinestones, $17.95 at H&M stores. Above right: Janis Savitt Skull Necklace made with Swarovski Elements, $300 at Swarovski Crystallized store in NYC (499 Broadway).

Mixology NYC Guinevere Draped Chainmail Bib Necklace, $350. Available at MixologyNYC.com

K2O by Karen Ko Avant Rock Spike Bracelet Set, $65 for 7-piece set. Available at Shop.K2obykarenko.com

Ettika Duel Tone with Spikes Bracelet in Disco Queen, $65. Available at Ettika.com

BCBGMAXAZRIA Multi-Chain Fringe Cuff, $78. Available at BCBG.com

Bibi Bijoux Collection Neon Twist Bracelet made with Swarovski Elements (also showcased in neon green and neon yellow), $287. Available at Swarovski Crystallized store in NYC.

Erica Anenberg Cherry Bomb Twosome Ring, $110. Available at MaxandChloe.com

Mixology NYC Spiked Stacking Ring, $55. Available at MaxandChloe.com

Shop Lately Spartan Shield Ring, $12.50. Available at ShopLately.com

BRASH Women’s Horizontal Cross Ring, $7.99 at Payless stores.

HEADBANDS FEATURED:

Both of the headbands shown in the segment were from a new brand called Scott Hermanas, which specializes in statement-making hair accessories with studs, spikes, jaunty animal prints, sporty perforated details, and intricate embossed patterns. Here is a close-up of the spiked headbands, one of which the host herself tried on during the segment!

Scott Hermanas Peace Silver Spikes Headband, $50. Available at ScottHermanas.com

Yesterday, I filmed a segment for Telemundo’s “Mujer de Hoy” in which I discussed how to look stylish throughout pregnancy and beyond. If you missed it, make sure to check out the video above (or click here) since you’re likely to find some inspiration from the many pieces showcased. In the segment, I stressed that women don’t need to spend a bundle on maternity clothes that they’ll only be able to wear for several months and will then inevitably toss or donate to Goodwill. Instead, women who are expecting can invest in a couple of maternity pieces and otherwise rely on versatile garments that will flatter their changing figure and growing baby bumps but that will also look chic post-pregnancy.

I personally love long, easy, laid-back maxi dresses on pregnant women, so these types of garments figured prominently in the segment. Why are maxi dresses so great? Well, they tend to come in comfortable and lightweight fabrics that are breathable and fluid, keeping women comfortable and cool, plus they’re slightly fitted along the bust area and loose elsewhere so that they’re roomy enough to accommodate a growing baby bump. And, unlike the tent-like frocks pregnant women wore back in the day, today’s maxi dresses are cut so that the skirts have   straighter cuts, thereby grazing the sides of the body ever so slightly and appearing fluid and even ethereal.

Below, you’ll find our model Mariel wearing a yellow-and-white dress from Nieves Lavi, a beachy and sunny number in a soft and breathable jersey fabric and featuring braided straps and a Hawaiian-flavored floral print (visit NievesLavi.com for information on where to buy this and other garments from the brand). Though the dress isn’t billed as a maternity garment, it fit Mariel perfectly. To add some pizazz, I accessorized this maxi dress with the Amrita Singh Coral Branch Necklace ($100 at AmritaSingh.com), which boasts a similar island-ready vibe; a pair of chunky gold hoop earrings with an Egyptian-esque etched pattern (from Macy’s own collection) and tan Jaclyn Smith Flower Sling Back sandals ($9.99 at Kmart and Kmart.com), which feature rosette accents along the center vertical strip. 

Here are some behind-the-scenes images of Mariel with the other girls and preparing for the camera while in the Nieves Lavi maxi:

Here’s a look at the accessories Mariel wore:

Similarly, in one of the first scenes in the “Mujer de Hoy” video, you’ll find model Elaine wearing an absolutely stunning maxi gown from Muse Apparel. As soon as she tried on this garment, everyone let out a collective “Ooh!” In addition to featuring a watercolor-esque striped pattern, the Muse Multi Stripe Belted Maxi ($178 at MuseApparel.com) features a really flattering neckline that’s similar to a halter style but doesn’t hug the base of the neck as tightly as traditional halter necklines, with straps resting right along the inside of the clavicles. The maxi’s pattern is itself very flattering since the stripes along the bodice have a vertical orientation that lengthens and slims the silhouette while the stripes along the long skirt are slanted so that they essentially form an inverted “V” shape. Furthermore, the dress comes with a belt tie that allows you to demarcate the waistline, a design detail that will prove handy for pregnant women who want to create a visual division between their chest and belly regions. But, again, this is a dress any woman can wear — in fact, it’s officially on my “must buy” list for summer!

Below, you’ll find some photos of Elaine wearing this gorgeous frock, which I accessorized with some sparkly H&M earrings ($9.99 at H&M stores), two stacks of Indego Africa Sweetgrass Bangles ($36 each at ShopIndegoAfrica.org), and a pair of BONGO Whisper Sandals in blue ($9.99 at Kmart and Kmart.com).

Here are some of the accessories Elaine wore with this maxi dress:

Yet another maxi dress that’s perfect before, during and after pregnancy is the red silk Nieves Lavi caftan (visit NievesLavi.com for price and store details) that Elaine wore at the very end of the segment. Literally everyone on set — including yours truly — was coveting this number. Pictured below, this dress is crafted out of extremely fine silk and features an exotic pattern that incorporates koi fish and fan-like shapes adorned with florals. A luxurious piece with a 1960s Boho vibe, the Nieves Lavi Chinatown Caftan nods to the Far East with its kimono-style sleeves and neckline, which draw the eye upward, while an elastic below the bust line allows women to cinch their waist and give their form more definition.   Check out Elaine in this stunning piece:

Now, every pregnant woman knows leggings are an absolute must during this time. First, they’re incredibly versatile — you can pair them with a racerback tank and sandals for a casual look, a dressier blouson and a snug boyfriend blazer for a sharper look, and so forth. They’re also made of a stretch fabric that will grow in tandem with your body — even if your legs become meatier due to weight gain and water retention. To lengthen your figure, I always suggest pregnant women pair leggings with tunics, tanks or blousons that extend past the waist and fall along or below the hips.

Mariel, for instance, wore the Kardashian Kollection Chain Print Leggings ($28.99 at Sears.com), which feature a Versace-esque print that incorporates black stripes arranged in a diamond formation and framed by chunky gold chains, with the interior of these diamond shapes showcasing either an aqua blue hue or a snow leopard print, and medallions peppered throughout the print. Because the pattern is so busy, we wanted to keep the top very simple and so opted for a solid black tank. This particular tank is one of Destination Maternity‘s best-selling items since it’s so incredibly versatile. The Isabella Oliver Sleeveless Scoop Neck Side Ruched Maternity Tank Top ($75 at DestinationMaternity.com) is crafted out of a stretchy jersey knit fabric so that it will expand as your belly does, and it features ruching along the sides which helps to lengthen the silhouette.

To give the look an urban edge, we opted for chunky gold hoop earrings, the Jaclyn Smith Bloom Sandals in a light blue color ($9.99 at Kmart.com), and the Kardashian Kollection Station Collar Necklace ($23.80 at Sears.com), a gold-toned bib necklace with geometric stations, some of them featuring glitter inserts. Check out Mariel’s look below:

If there’s one investment every pregnant gal should make, it’s a nice pair of maternity jeans. Given how often most women wear denim, this is the type of piece that’s bound to get tons of wear. And, of course, no matter how early or late you start to show, you’ll eventually be unable to button any and every pair of jeans in your closet. Unlike ordinary jeans, maternity jeans feature elastic panels sewn along the denim’s waist band. These elastic panels stretch all the way up your abdomen, hugging your belly, and the material will stretch as your center begins to grow so that the fit will remain perfect and your bump will feel secure inside this snug fabric cradle.

Model Janice wore the Hudson Petite Secret Fit Belly 5 Pocket Boot Cut Maternity Jeans ($210 at DestinationMaternity.com) for the segment, and we paired them with the A Pea in the Pod Sleeveless Embroidered Maternity Top ($85 at DestinationMaternity.com), a breezy top featuring a flattering mandarin collar with an embroidered pattern that lends it an ethnic feel. And, for some urban attitude, we accessorized with a pretty hat from the Eugenia Kim for Target collection (a piece from my very own closet).

Check out Janice’s look below:

Another subject that came up in the segment was that of whether or not snug, figure-hugging garments should be worn during pregnancy — particularly in the latter stages. My response: abso-friggin’-lutely! Pregnancy is a joyous time so women should be proud to flaunt their baby bumps! It’s all about finding the right cut. A dress like the Isabella Oliver Ruched One Shoulder Maternity Dress ($185 at IsabellaOliver.com), worn by our model Mercy, is a winning ticket since it features an asymmetrical neckline that draws attention upward and infuses a bit of sex appeal into the look by exposing a bare shoulder, plus it features ruching throughout to slim the hips and thighs, accentuating the belly bump while also defining every curve. Women who want to show off their baby bumps during the early stages of pregnancy, as with our model Janice, can opt for a dress like the black cotton spandex dress she rocked on air, which features a perky polka dot print and boasts a retro-flavored sweetheart neckline. This particular number is available at eshakti.com and was paired with a foldable pair of ballet flats from Yosi Samra but can just as easily be worn with kitten heels, wedges, or pumps.

Which brings us to another maternity style must: a comfortable pair of flats. Women can choose sandals during the summer months, of course, but for occasions that require a dressier shoe, a nice pair of ballet flats will come in rather handy. I love the Yosi Samra Samara Snake ballet flats ($70 at YosiSamra.com), since they’re foldable and take up virtually no space in your closet (or bag!), they feel lightweight and they have an elastic band that ensures a snug fit.

Check out Mercy and Janice’s body-hugging, bump-flaunting frocks, along with the Yosi Samra flats worn by Janice:

Another great tip when shopping for dresses is to look for pieces with waist ties so that you can create a visual divide between the bust and the belly. The A Pea in the Pod Elbow Sleeve Sash Belt Maternity Dress ($129.50 at DestinationMaternity.com) accomplishes this feat perfectly. The dress features a silhouette reminiscent of a T-shirt with its elbow-length sleeves and scoop neckline, but it’s made of a figure-flattering stretchy jersey knit fabric — and, of course, it features a sash belt immediately below the chest so that you can draw a visual divide between your bust and your belly. The geometric print, meanwhile, is incredibly lovely and reminiscent of medallion mosaic tiles but in a blue-and-white color combination that’s similar to that of a traditional Chinoiserie flatware pattern.  Check out Elaine wearing this knee-length dress below:

Last but not least, I can’t stress how well a wrap dress works throughout pregnancy. This timeless and chic silhouette looks beautiful on all women, but it transitions into pregnancy rather well. The cross-over neckline helps to show off some décolletage, drawing the eye upward and helping women flaunt their bosoms while still looking classy and elegant.

In the segment, we showcased two gorgeous wrap dresses: the Isabella Oliver Vivien Print Maternity Dress ($215 at IsabellaOliver.com) worn by Mariel, which features a watercolor-esque floral print in shades of pink, lilac, violet, white, and yellow and boasts 3/4-length sleeves; and the graphic Maggy London Feather Print Wrap Dress ($118 at MaggyLondon.com) worn by Janice, a flirtatious cap-sleeved frock with a V-shaped neckline and a whimsical scallop feather print.

Check out Mariel and Janice in these two wrap dresses below:

Well, chicas, I hope this helps you figure out how to tweak your wardrobe in order to look stylish throughout your pregnancy and show off that baby bump with pride!

Here are some of the final shots from the segment:

]]> http://www.sickathanaverage.com/2013/05/how-to-dress-fashionably-during-pregnancy-as-seen-on-telemundos-mujer-de-hoy.html/feed 0 http://www.sickathanaverage.com/2013/05/look-of-the-day-what-i-wore-on-todays-telemundo-ny-mujer-de-hoy-segment.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=look-of-the-day-what-i-wore-on-todays-telemundo-ny-mujer-de-hoy-segment http://www.sickathanaverage.com/2013/05/look-of-the-day-what-i-wore-on-todays-telemundo-ny-mujer-de-hoy-segment.html#comments Wed, 22 May 2013 00:09:51 +0000 Celia San Miguel http://www.sickathanaverage.com/?p=36160

Earlier today, I head down to ModaListas, the gorgeous boutique into the Limelight Shops, the church-turned-nightclub-turned-marketplace located in Manhattan’s Flatiron district, where we filmed a segment for Telemundo’s “Mujer de Hoy” centered on how to dress fashionably during pregnancy. I had four lovely pregnant ladies model the amazing looks featured in the segment: long, Bohemian-flavored maxi dresses from Muse Apparel and Nieves Lavi; sexy yet sophisticated wrap dresses from Isabella Oliver and Maggy London; a cheeky cap sleeved frock with a sweetheart necklines from eShakti; a printed T-shirt dress with a cinched waist from A Pea in the Pod; medallion print leggings from the Kardashian Kollection paired with a waist-length tunic from Isabella Oliver; chic maternity jeans from Hudson Jeans; and tons of summery sandals from Bongo and foldable ballerina flats from Yosi Samra.

As for me, I wanted a look that was colorful and modern so I opted for the Maggy London Printed Mirror Scuba Rose Dress ($128 at MaggyLondon.com), which has a glove-like fit and features a slightly surrealist rose print in shades of bright poppy red, olive green, slate gray, sage, brown, sepia, mustard yellow, vermilion, honeysuckle pink, light coral, white, and black. In addition to being as colorful as Van Gogh’s poppy paintings, the dress manages to combine the topsy-turvy feel of a kaleidoscopic image with a more classic painterly aesthetic reminiscent of watercolor canvas masterpieces. In terms of the fit, the dress hugs the curves perfectly and the angular cut of the arm holes helps to reveal well-defined shoulders and collarbones.

Since the dress has a tromple l’oeil quality to it, I paired it with the BCBGMAXAZRIA  Tejus Pumps (purchased on sale at BCBG.com), which feature a sky-high wooden heel and also play optical tricks on onlookers by via the perforated pattern on the black uppers, which reveals a nude underlay and mimics the look of lace.

To give the ensemble a bit more presence and infuse a Bohemian flair into it, I added the House of Harlow 1960 Gypsy Feather Necklace ($175 at Shopbop.com), a statement-making, vintage-looking bib necklace consisting of  14k gold-plated metal pieces with spiky tips, the surface of each slither adorned with onyx-colored stones and clear crystals. Since the necklace had such an imposing presence, I kept the earrings simple, opting for a pair of gold hoop earrings with a simple triangle motif along the center of the curved shape, a round onyx-toned stone nestled within the arrow-like detail therein. I then piled on the bangles, mixing the three-piece Amrita Singh Nooriya Bangle Set ($120 at AmritaSingh.com), which features two square textured bangles and a chunky round one, all encrusted with colorful stones, with the Amrita Singh India Bangle Set ($100 at AmritaSingh.com), a 36-piece set with a mixture of smooth gold-toned pieces, crystal-adorned bracelets, and studded or engraved bangles.

Last but not least, I added the House of Harlow 1960 Gold & Black Crystal Cutout Shield Ring (purchased on sale at Gilt.com) on one index finer, an elongated ring that stretches from the knuckle to the middle of the finger and features tiny grate-like perforations, along with spiky tips punctuated with onyx-colored stones; and, on the other hand, I wore the Melinda Maria Cage Ring (purchased on sale at HauteLook.com), a golden band with oblong-shaped cut-out shapes and vertical rows of tiny red stones separating these perforations.

Check out some detailed shots below:

]]> http://www.sickathanaverage.com/2013/05/look-of-the-day-what-i-wore-on-todays-telemundo-ny-mujer-de-hoy-segment.html/feed 0 http://www.sickathanaverage.com/2013/05/tell-mama-check-out-our-mothers-day-2013-gift-guide.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tell-mama-check-out-our-mothers-day-2013-gift-guide http://www.sickathanaverage.com/2013/05/tell-mama-check-out-our-mothers-day-2013-gift-guide.html#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 18:06:15 +0000 Celia San Miguel http://www.sickathanaverage.com/?p=35916 Sure, she nagged you about eating your vegetables, reminded you incessantly that she was neither a maid nor a short order chef, and monitored your every utterance in case a curse word slipped out, but she also cooked you chicken soup when you had a cold, kissed every scraped knee and tiny boo-boo, read your favorite bedtime story so many times she could recite it from memory, stitched up your favorite stuffed animal for the 100th time, cut the crust off your sandwich, drove you to ballet or baseball practice at obscenely early hours, and displayed every excellent report card or sports team trophy with the pride others would reserve for Nobel Peace Prizes.  This Sunday, show your mom she’s appreciated with a gift she’ll treasure forever.

Below, you’ll find some great goodies that will make mama sing (pun  intended).

Kate Spade Pack A Picnic Wine Tote, $238. Available at Kate Spade stores and KateSpade.com

Spring is upon us which, of course, means plenty of opportunities for picnics in the park or at the beach. This wicker-inspired tote features a turquoise blue vinyl top lid with matching shoulder straps, and three slotted interior compartments, with the central one designed to hold a wine bottle so that, even the top flap incorporates a round cut-out through which to position the neck of the bottle, ensuring it remains upright during transit. The outer compartments, meanwhile, are perfect for stashing sandwiches, bags of sliced apples and carrots, napkins, and other picnic must-haves.

L’Occitane La Collection de Grasse Jasmin & Bergamote Collection, $95. Available at L’Occitane stores and USA.LOccitane.com

Just in time for Mother’s Day, L’Occitane launched a new collection of fragrances inspired by Grasse, the town within Provence known as the Capital of Perfumery. Incorporating shower gels, eau de toilettes, bar soaps, and body lotions, the L’Occitane La Collection De Grasse consists of four new signature scents: Jasmin & Bergamote, Magnolia & Mure, Vanilla & Narcisse, and Thé Vert & Bigarade. If your mother loves the grace and femininity of the jasmine flower, she’ll appreciate the Jasmin & Bergamot scent, which combines this delicate and romantic scent with the sunny citric quality of bergamot. And, in turn, mom will swoon over this gorgeous gift set, which includes a 2.5 oz. Jasmin & Bergamote EDT bottle, a 5.9 fl. oz. bottle of the Jasmin & Bergamote body milk, and a 5.9 fl. oz. bottle of the Jasmine & Bergamote shower gel.

Bing Bang NYC Oversized Ray Heart Button Earrings, $55. Available at Shop.BingBangNYC.com

A mother’s love is unconditional. Show her the same is true of her brethren with these heart-shaped button earrings from Bing Bang NYC, which feature a ridged texture, with ray-like beams emanating from the core of each earring. Measuring 0.75″ in diameter, these rose gold-plated sterling silver earrings have a slightly vintage, worn-in feel that adds to their charm.

Sonia Kashuk Limited Edition Brush Couture 5-Piece Brush Set, $14.99. Available at Target stores.

If your mom is a makeup lover, chances are she’s always looking for some top-notch brushes with which to apply her favorite powders, blushes, and eye shadows. This chic set from Sonia Kashuk incorporates five pieces — a Powder Brush, Synthetic Concealer/Foundation Brush, Fluffy Eye Shadow Brush, Angled Contour Crease Brush and Flat Shader Brush — all featuring ultra-soft bristles and boasting a mosaic-like print along their handles that makes them all the more worthy of prime placement on a vanity table or dresser.

Khirma Eliazov Oversized Chain Wallet, $325. Available at KhirmaEliazov.com

Looking for a real splurge item for your mom? Then consider this elegant wallet, made of vibrant cobalt leather and brown lizard skin. Measuring 5″ in length. 4″ in height, and 1.5″ in width, this piece features a removable gunmetal chain that allows it to be worn as a dainty cross-body bag.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Sunshine Edition EDT, $78 for 2.5 oz. bottle. Available at Macy’s and Macys.com

As soon as you lay eyes on the Marc Daisy Eau So Fresh Sunshine Edition EDT bottle, you’ll be struck by the colorful interpretation of the now-classic Daisy fragrance’s packaging — from the pink juice inside the clear bottle to the candy-like, fruity, Carmen Miranda-worthy color of the rubbery daisies adorning the golden cap. The Daisy Eau So Fresh Sunshine Edition fragrance composition, similarly, is a perkier and flashier version of the original, with juicy top notes of strawberry, apple blossom, and pink grapefruit in lieu of the original’s strawberry, violet leaf and ruby red grapefruit top notes. The fragrance heart, meanwhile, stays true to the original in that they both incorporate jasmine petals, but this one surrounds this feminine note with day lily and rose notes instead of the traditional gardenia and violet petals. Lastly, the base notes for the Daisy Eau So Fresh Sunshine edition consist of violet leaf, white oak moss, and amber wood, a more exotic and warmer mix than the smooth and straight-forward base notes of vanilla, white woods, and musk found in the original Daisy EDT.

Blee Inara Beaded Tassel And Heart Charm Stretch Bracelet, $52. Available at MaxandChloe.com

Bohemian and street chic influences converge in the most harmonious manner in this stretchy Blee Inara bracelet, which features round cyan blue resin beads with metallic gold beads dispersed intermittently. A bulbous, 18k gold-played heart charm gives the bracelet a sweet energy, while the accompanying 1″-long tassel lends it a free-spirited edge.

Maggy London Print Jersey Shift Dress, $78. Available at MaggyLondon.com

Appropriate for both work and play, this sleeveless jersey shift dress features a perky abstract print that radiates from the side so as to create a slimming effect while captivating onlookers with its painterly vibe.  

Tory Burch Larissa Pumps, $325. Available at Nordstrom and Nordstrom.com

Even if she hasn’t worn Mary Janes since her days as a uniform-clad schoolgirl, your mom will jump at the chance to dip her toes into these classic Mary Jane pumps, which feature modern details like perforated uppers, a black toe cap, a sexy 3 1/2″-tall heel, and a slim strap with a bow-adorned buckle closure.

Erickson Beamon Earrings, $139.50. Available at ClubMonaco.com

Though they nod to Art Deco aesthetic norms, these Erickson Beamon earrings feel modern and even futuristic but, most importantly, they’re incredibly glamorous. Measuring 2 1/2″ in length, the earrings feature faceted, diamond-shaped, clear resin beads, with two silver-set periwinkle blue beads adorning their bottom tip, two faceted rectangular beads adorning the top edges and positioned in an upside down V shape, an oval-shaped blue stone between these two beads, and smaller pyramid-shaped beads in a green citrine color at the ear post position.

Diane Von Furstenberg Printed iPad Case, $225. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue and Saksfifthavenue.com

Has mom finally gone high tech? Then embrace her dive into the digital realm and make sure she maintains her trendsetter status with this ultra chic iPad case from Diane Von Furstenberg, featuring a black-and-white palm leaf print and neon yellow handle bars that make the graphic print really pop.

Alessandro Alberti and Giulietta Piccioli Bi-Color Pitcher, $65. Available at the MOMA Store and MomaStore.org

Next time your mom whips up a batch of sweet tea or pink lemonade to serve her guests, she can serve it in this stunning, mouth-blown Italian glass pitcher,boasting a ribbed texture and a stunning amethyst color, with a turquoise handle adding a perky and modern touch.

We’ve all seen our fair share of trompe l’oeil tees — the one with a screen-printed skeleton, the tuxedo one, the one with a multi-strand pearl necklace, and so forth. With the launch of Maison Dumain, a conceptual spin-off of footwear and handbag brand Be&D that’s mainly centered on classic canvas hi-top sneakers with cheeky silk screen printed designs, the visual trickery is moving down south, all the way to our feet. Masterminded by Be&D Creative Director Steve Dumain, the Maison Dumain footwear collection juxtaposes timeless silhouettes and simple materials with funky designs that convey a sense of urban gumption.

The Maison Dumain Big City sneaker ($128 at BeandD.com), for instance, features a stiletto pump printed on its canvas uppers. The sneaker is available in many color combinations: a neon pink design printed on a red hi-top (shown at top), a cobalt blue stiletto printed against white uppers, a  neon pink stiletto printed on black uppers, and a black stiletto printed against white. An edgier take on the Big City design,  the Maison Dumain Hey Stud sneaker ($158 at BeandD.com) also features a printed stiletto pump but, this time, it’s adorned with domed round stud accents. This particular design is available in three colorways: a black hi-top sneaker with a neon pink pump adorned with gold-toned studs (as shown third from top); a red sneaker with a black pump adorned with gold-toned studs; and a white sneaker with a black pump peppered with silver-toned studs (as shown last above).

Those who like things that go bump at night will appreciate the Boogie Man Bones sneaker ($128 at BeAndD.com), shown above in white with a red printed design, which depicts all the bones on the foot and ankle: the tibia, fibula, metatarsals, talus, and so on. They might remind you of X-Ray images or Halloween fun houses, but one thing’s for sure: these are bad to the bone.

For those who want to make a bang, meanwhile, there’s the Maison Dumain Walking On Guns sneaker ($128 at BeandD.com), which features a print of an upside-down pistol, the top rim of its barrel positioned right on the outsole and a bullet dashing toward the side of the toe cap. Now, the positioning of the pistol is far from accidental since the aim of this sneaker is not to glorify guns but, rather, to bring attention to the need for gun control legislation — particularly in the wake of the Newtown, CT, and Aurora, CO tragedies. By showing an upside-down pistol, then, these sneakers subtly suggest that it’s time to drastically shift our perspective on guns and gun control. To show its commitment to the cause, Maison Dumain will be donating 5% of the profits from the sale of the sneakers to a fund called Mayors Against Illegal Guns.  This design is available in a very graphic colorway, with a black pistol printed on white sneakers (shown second above), a neon pink handgun printed against the white canvas uppers, and glittery gold gun printed against a white backdrop (shown next to last above). Now, this is what I’d call packing heat!